The National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has formally applied for temporary asylum in Russia. Snowden has been stranded in Russia, unable to travel to Latin America, where three countries have offered him refuge. On Tuesday, a Russian lawyer who helped prepare Snowden’s application said he fears returning to the United States could subject him to torture or even the death penalty.

Lawyer Anatoly Kucherena: “He is being persecuted by the United States of America, or rather, by the U.S. government. That’s what he wrote; I’m quoting him. He fears for his life, for his safety. He fears that torture or the death penalty can be used against him.”

By seeking temporary asylum rather than political asylum, Snowden technically would not need the personal approval of Russian President Vladimir in order to stay. Putin has said Snowden can remain so long as he stops leaking U.S. secrets.